The Best Children’s and YA Books of February
by the Brightly Editors
Long, cold winter days call for plenty of books! Reading stories with your kids or giving them time and space to curl up with a book is an excellent way to spend these last few weeks of winter. Need some reading recommendations? We’ve got you covered. From picture books to novels, here are February’s best children’s and young adult books.
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Picture Books
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Sleepy Sheepy
Available from:Sleepy Sheepy insists he isn’t tired and does everything he can to avoid bedtime, from eating snacks to tying up his exhausted parents. This hilarious new bedtime story will quickly become a favorite for children everywhere.
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Good Night, Sister
Available from:Bedtime, sisterhood, and kindness combine in this beautiful picture book. Kat is excited to move into her own room, but when a storm keeps her awake and frightened, her younger sister knows just how to comfort her. It’s a sweet story that celebrates the special relationship between siblings and how they show each other love and support.
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Eric Loves Animals
Available from:At 176 pages, this comprehensive book is perfect for Eric Carle fans of all ages. It’s an extraordinary collection of art with hundreds of animals, commentary from the author, and interactive elements. Whether you want to flip through the pages with your child, give it as a gift, or keep it for yourself, this book is a must-have!
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Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear
Available from:Teach your child about the importance of taking time to be alone. Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear spend every waking minute together until Rabbit discovers a beautiful spot — the perfect place for some alone time. When she talks to her friends about it, they admit that they also go there to be alone.
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When I Talk to God, I Talk About You
Available from:Families of faith will love this beautiful ode to prayer and parenthood. Animal parents tell their children what they pray and hope for on their behalf. This sweet book makes an excellent gift for special occasions or as a bedtime read-aloud.
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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The Swifts
Available from:Get ready for a rollicking and hilarious murder mystery featuring a mischievous amateur detective named Shenanigan Swift. When her aunt dies at a family reunion, Shenanigan sets out to find the culprit. She finds secrets, hidden rooms, and plenty of danger as she follows the clues. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves humor and suspense!
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Totally Random Questions Volume 5
Available from:Fact-loving kids will be thrilled to get their hands on the latest volume in the Totally Random Questions series! This colorful nonfiction book brims with bizarre facts and answers to questions kids didn’t even know they had. Young readers will find it irresistible.
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Who Is LeBron James?
Available from:Basketball fans will devour this chapter book biography of one of the most legendary players of the sport. LeBron James grew up in Ohio, but he became an internationally recognized athlete through hard work and perseverance. Readers will learn about his childhood and his many accomplishments.
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Super Pancake
Available from:Graphic novel lovers can’t resist this tasty story about a pancake who gets superpowers and must save her town from the villainous Dr. Breakfast Sandwich. Between food fights, foodnappings, and mastering her new abilities, Peggy the Pancake proves she is no ordinary flapjack. Silliness and humor make this book an excellent pick for young readers who enjoy lighthearted adventures.
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The Human Kaboom
Available from:If you loved Adam Rubin’s unconventional novel, The Ice Cream Machine, pick up a copy of the companion book. Written in the same format, it’s a collection of six short stories — all with the same title. Rubin’s unique sense of humor and adventure make each story unforgettable and highly enjoyable.
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Hilo Book 9: Gina and the Last City on Earth
Available from:Everyone’s favorite trio is back in their latest action-packed adventure! Join Gina, D.J., Hilo, and a few new characters as they tackle monsters and save the world. It’s the ninth installment in the Hilo series and has more humor, adventure, and magic than ever!
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Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind
Available from:When a monster attacks 12-year-old Momo at the shopping mall, her life gets turned upside down. Soon, she learns she is a Shinto half-goddess who must use her newfound powers to save the world from a demon invasion. Humor, heart, and a healthy sense of adventure make this the perfect next-read for Percy Jackson fans.
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Not an Easy Win
Available from:From the author of Take Back the Block comes another thoughtful middle grade novel with insights about poverty, incarceration, and community. After his father goes to prison, Lawrence moves in with his granny in another city. The adjustment is difficult, and he spends his days at a local rec center instead of at school. There, he learns about chess, friendship, and purpose.
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Pages & Co.: The Treehouse Library
Available from:Readers will eagerly dive back into the exciting world of Pages & Co. with the fifth installment in the series. With his Uncle Horatio in an enchanted sleep, Milo and Alessia must search through several stories (including The Secret Garden and Jabberwocky) to find a cure. This award-winning and bestselling series is a favorite for readers who enjoyed Land of Stories and Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
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YA
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Stardust in Their Veins
Available from:Find a comfortable spot because once you crack open the gritty sequel to Castles In Their Bones, you won’t be able to set it down. Three princesses join neighboring kingdoms, intending to expand their mother’s empire. Now, one princess is dead, and the remaining two sisters have plans that don’t include their mother’s schemes. YA readers will obsess over this dark fantasy series about ambition, manipulation, sisterhood, and true love.
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When You Wish Upon a Lantern
Available from:Reach for this book the next time you’re in the mood for a feel-good YA romance. With her family’s lantern store in trouble, Liya and her ex-best friend Kai team up to grant people’s wishes, hoping to boost sales. As the teens work together, they mend their friendship and fall in love despite the many factors pulling them apart. This sweet story will make any romance reader’s heart happy.
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Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim
Available from:Alejandra feels like she doesn’t fit in at school, at home, or in her neighborhood. So, when an incident at school pushes her into the spotlight, she must learn to embrace herself and her multicultural heritage. This thoughtful novel tackles authenticity, racism, self-acceptance, and fitting in.
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Chaos Theory
Available from:Nic Stone is the go-to author when you need to ugly-cry about fictional characters. In her latest novel, she tackles issues that modern teens deal with — mental health, addiction, first love, and grief. When Shelbi recognizes the intense pain Andy is experiencing, she befriends him, and they quickly fall in love. But both teens have a past that soon threatens to destroy their budding relationship.
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The Island
Available from:Hair-raising chills combine with the glamorous world of influencers in this creepy novel from the bestselling author of The Lake and The Twin. Six teenage influencers get invited to an exclusive, all-expenses-paid weekend at an island resort. It sounds almost too good to be true. But once they reach the island, their luxurious vacation turns deadly.
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Nightbirds
Available from:Corruption, secrets, and magical kisses — this new feminist fantasy novel is everything YA readers crave! The Nightbirds are girls with magical abilities caught in a system designed to control them and their powers. But when the girls discover that influential people’s lies have imprisoned them, they will stop at nothing to win their freedom.
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